According to Google, an Italian company, RCS Lab uses hacking tools to spy on Apple and Android smartphones in Italy and Kazakhstan.
Google researchers also found that RCS Lab had previously worked with the controversial and defunct Italian spy company Hacking Team, which had previously developed surveillance software for foreign governments to use phones and computers.
“These vendors are allowing the proliferation of dangerous tools of piracy and arming governments that could not develop these capabilities internally,” Google said.
Therefore, RCS Lab joins the global industry that makes spyware for governments by developing interception tools for law enforcement. RCS Lab claims its products and services meet European standards and help law enforcement agencies investigate the crime.
Google has warned Android users about spyware and the company is also taking steps to protect users of its Android operating system. Apple has revoked all known accounts and certificates related to the piracy campaign.
Billy Leonard, a senior Google researcher, believes that hackers who use RCS spyware in some cases work with the target service provider, suggesting links to state-backed actors.